Consultant for Adaptation Fund Project Proposal

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment and has been operational since its establishment in 197

• With a mission to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, UNEP works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to address pressing environmental issues. The organization operates in over 150 countries and employs thousands of staff members, collaborating with a wide range of partners to implement its initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for developing a single country concept note for Madagascar to be submitted to the Adaptation Fund. This role involves conducting a comprehensive desk review and stakeholder consultations to gather relevant data and insights that will inform the proposal. The consultant will work closely with UNEP and national stakeholders to ensure that the concept note addresses the specific climate change adaptation needs of vulnerable agricultural communities in the Atsinanana region. The consultant will also be tasked with drafting the concept note, ensuring that it includes a clear articulation of the climate adaptation challenges, proposed solutions, and a logical framework for implementation. The consultant will report to the Chief of the Climate Change Adaptation Section in UNEP's Climate Division and will be expected to engage with various stakeholders throughout the process, ensuring that the proposal is evidence-based and aligns with national priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include conducting a desk review and stakeholder consultations, drafting the Adaptation Fund single country concept note, and ensuring that all key aspects are incorporated. Specific tasks include: 1) Conducting a desk review and stakeholder consultations to gather location-specific and quantitative data. 2) Drafting the concept note, including a climate change adaptation problem tree, solution tree, project adaptation alternatives, and a theory of change. 3) Conducting a cost-effectiveness analysis and identifying beneficiary target groups. 4) Performing a gender analysis and ensuring alignment with national strategies. 5) Establishing a structured knowledge management framework for capturing and sharing lessons learned. 6) Presenting the final concept note for validation and addressing comments from stakeholders and the Adaptation Fund’s review sheet.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or higher in environmental science, climate change, economics, development studies, development policy, or a closely related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in climate change adaptation or environmental management projects. Demonstrated experience in developing project proposals for the Adaptation Fund, Global Environment Facility, or Green Climate Fund is required. Knowledge of UN systems and processes is considered an asset, and experience in Madagascar or the surrounding region will be advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as environmental science, climate change, economics, development studies, or development policy is required. A Bachelor's degree may be accepted if accompanied by two additional years of relevant experience. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development of the concept note.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in climate change adaptation or environmental management projects. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully developing project proposals for funding bodies such as the Adaptation Fund, Global Environment Facility, or Green Climate Fund. Experience working in Madagascar or the surrounding region is highly desirable, as it provides valuable context and understanding of local challenges and opportunities.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and French is required for this position. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, as the concept note will need to be developed in a manner that is accessible to both local and international audiences. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The expected contract duration for this consultancy is six months, during which the consultant will work part-time for a total of 28 days. The position is home-based with one mission to Madagascar required. The consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including vulnerable groups, to ensure that the concept note is comprehensive and reflective of local needs. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants should be cautious of any requests for personal financial information.